Ekitike was not in the squad for Saturday's friendly match against FSV Frankfurt, and coach Toppmoller explained his absence afterwards. He said: "He didn't play, but you can imagine the rest."

Coach Toppmoller described Ekitike's departure as a "bitter loss" for the team. He also mentioned that the team had already lost another key player, Omar Marmoush, in the winter season.

Coach Toppmoller was impressed with Ekitike's development and said it's possible that the team will miss him. He cautioned that the team should temper their expectations for the upcoming season.